The Philadelphia Phillies appear poised to part ways with pitcher as he enters free agency. With a deep pitching roster already in place, including four high-level arms and rising star Andrew Painter emerging as a potential frontline option, the Phillies seem ready to let him pursue opportunities elsewhere. The talented pitcher is expected to draw significant interest from contending teams, though any suitor will need both financial flexibility and a strong roster to secure his services this offseason.
Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller recently projected that Ranger Suárez could land a massive deal with the Chicago Cubs, predicting a five-year contract worth $115 million. “These are the little things teams will be grappling with when trying to decide how heavily they’re willing to invest in Suárez and whether he’s going to be their opening day starter for the foreseeable future,” Miller wrote. “But with three of the five projections putting him at a $23M AAV, he could be an absolute steal if he continues to produce at the level that he has. Both Kevin Gausman (5 years, $110M) and Robbie Ray (5 years, $115M) got that type of money at the same age, and they each had a career ERA of almost exactly 4.00 when they signed. Suárez may well be better than both.”
The potential addition of Suárez would address a pressing need for the Cubs. Pitching emerged as one of the team’s major weaknesses last season, and strengthening that area is critical if Chicago hopes to contend for a World Series. Shota Imanaga, who had previously opted out of his contract, recently accepted the Cubs’ qualifying offer to return, but the team still requires additional arms to solidify its rotation.
At the same time, the Cubs face uncertainty in the outfield, with star Kyle Tucker likely to depart in free agency. This looming loss could prompt Chicago to pivot toward alternative roster solutions, and Suárez might figure prominently in those plans. If the Cubs do target him, the combination of financial resources and positional needs positions them as one of the frontrunners to land the Phillies’ talented right-hander.
For Suárez, the market is expected to be highly competitive, with multiple playoff-caliber clubs likely to pursue him aggressively. His performance track record and projected value make him a rare opportunity for teams seeking a cost-controlled, high-impact starting pitcher. With his skill set, Suárez has the potential not only to strengthen a rotation immediately but also to provide a foundation for sustained success over several seasons.
Ultimately, Philadelphia appears ready to let Suárez explore free agency, signaling confidence in its existing rotation and Painter’s potential. Meanwhile, the Cubs could view him as a cornerstone addition, capable of shoring up their pitching staff while addressing their competitive needs. As Miller emphasized, the price may be substantial, but the payoff could be immense: “He could be an absolute steal if he continues to produce at the level that he has.”